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Kakuzo’s ‘The Book of Tea’
Translated into Arabic

ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi’s Kalima has published the translation of Japanese Okakura Kakuzo’s ‘The Book of Tea’ into Arabic ‘Kitab Al Shay’ for the first time, a Press release from Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) said.

The Japanese book is considered to be one of the most important classic works in the world, and has been translated since it was first written nearly a century ago into dozens of languages, the release said.

It is thought to be the first book dealing with the tea ritual and its philosophy in relation to oriental culture and spirituality. In the book, Kakuzo shows how tea has affected nearly every aspect of Japanese culture, thought, and life.

“This book offers us a key lesson that motivates us to pay more attention to our deep-rooted identity, which is what the ADACH sets to achieve in general, and an aim of Kalima in particular,” said Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Kalima project manager. The work, published in elegant copies that include pictures and illustrations, is translated by Samer Abu Hawwash, who has worked on a number of Kalima translations.

Kalima, a translation initiative by ADACH, aims to provide Arab readers with the latest publications in the international scene.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com